Reactor of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant to be installed tomorrow

The much awaited ‘Nuclear Reactor Pressure Vessel’ is going to be installed in the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant situated in Pabna district. It is called the ‘heart’ of a nuclear power plant. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate it through video conferencing at 11 am on Sunday.

Deputy Commissioner of Pabna Bishwas Russel Hossain and Ishwardi Upazila Nirbahi Officer Imrul Kayesh confirmed about the inauguration program.

According to Russian atomic energy agency (RUSATOM) and the project sources, the reactor pressure vessel reached in the country through waterways of about 14 thousand kilometers for the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in October last year. To place the reactor its infrastructure was constructed throughout the year. The ‘Reactor Pressure Vessel’ is the main part of the power plant. Key fuels will be put here.

It was known that, the weight of the pot is 333.60 tons. The reactor reached at the Mongla port on its way through Black Sea and Suez Canal. From there it was brought to Pakshi at Ishwardi through waterways of the Padma.

Meanwhile, all out preparation has been taken for the inaugural program of placement of the reactor at the project site at Rooppur in Ishwardi. Experts and guests from the country and abroad were invited. Science and Technology Minister Dr. Yafes Osman, Project Director Dr. Sowkat Akbar, experts from Russia and concerned ministry officials will be present in the inaugural program.

Mentionable, Bangladesh Awami League in its election manifesto in 2008 pledged about constructing the Nuclear Power Plant. In 2010 a framework agreement was signed with Russia about peaceful use of the nuclear power. The proposal was accepted in the parliament to construct the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in the same year. In 2012 Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Act was passed in the parliament. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the first phase work of the power plant in 2013.

AH